Grab PH Responds After Driver’s Lewd Remarks About Xyriel Manabat Go Viral

A recent incident involving Grab Philippines and actress Xyriel Manabat has sparked conversations online about respect, accountability, and how far is too far when it comes to social media content.

The issue started when a driver, JB Villanueva, using the name “Boss Toyo Mansi,” posted a selfie with the actress and added a caption that many found inappropriate. The situation escalated further when more explicit and offensive remarks were shared online, drawing strong reactions from netizens.

Manabat made it clear that she would not ignore what happened. She pointed out that comments like these should not be brushed off as jokes or turned into entertainment. For her, the incident crossed a line and deserved proper action.

Following the backlash, Grab Philippines issued a public apology and confirmed that the driver involved has been placed under preventive suspension. The company also described the behavior as a serious violation of its policies, one that could lead to a permanent ban from the platform.

Grab added that it is ready to cooperate with authorities if needed, especially since Manabat has expressed her intent to pursue further action. The company is also reviewing its existing training programs for drivers, particularly those related to behavior even after a trip has ended.

While Grab already requires its driver partners to undergo safe spaces and anti-harassment training, the company admitted that this incident shows there may still be gaps that need to be addressed. New safeguards and improvements are now being considered.

The issue also caught the attention of the Gabriela Women's Party, which strongly condemned the driver’s actions. The group emphasized that this is not just a one-time issue, but part of a larger problem involving disrespect and harassment that many women continue to face in everyday situations.

They also pushed for stricter gender sensitivity training for TNVS drivers, stressing that providing transport services comes with the responsibility to respect passengers at all times.

Online reactions have been mixed, with some users defending the driver and calling the remarks harmless. However, many others disagreed, saying that normalizing such behavior only contributes to a culture where disrespect is tolerated.

For now, the spotlight remains on how companies and authorities will respond, and whether this incident will lead to stronger protections for passengers moving forward.